Dallas Wedding Photographer | What is the first look? (& why we recommend it)

what is the FIRST LOOK?

simply put: The FIRST LOOK is the first time the Bride and Groom see each other on their wedding day.

broken down: It’s the end to the superstition that whispers it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony.  It’s a kick in the face to the idea that if the Mr. saw his Ms. unveiled and wasn’t pleased he could just call the whole thing off… It’s a modern tradition being forged- it’s for Bride’s and Groom’s who love each other and want to share a sacred hour in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a wedding day.

FIRST LOOK CONFESSION?

I didn’t do it.  It’s my only regret.  technically- when i got married there was no such thing as a first look- oh, how i wish wedding photography was then what it is now!

it’s may favorite hour of every wedding i photograph.  it is the sweetest, most intimate, and sacred time- i feel like i’m capturing an energy and a memory that so far exceeds anything the couple imagined it comes as close to perfection as a moment can.  it’s never the same- some laugh, some cry, some do both… but every time- the same thing is said when it is all over- “That was our FAVORITE part of the day!” At every wedding I want to marry Romeo all over so that I can enjoy this hour.

I understand- It isn’t for everyone- and one or two weddings every year don’t choose the first look (though is send funny emails until the wedding trying to persuade them to come to the other side!) and that it totally fine! to each his own!

For those on the fence… here are a few reasons WHY I ALWAYS RECOMMEND THE FIRST LOOK:

1. IT SLOWS DOWN YOUR DAY: you have a scheduled time (We set aside an hour) before your family and guests arrive to focus on each other.  No one to ask you questions, no calls, texts, or last minute details, just the two of you breathing deep breaths and taking in your day.
2. IT PROVIDES A TIME TO SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY: Imagine getting to tell your Mr. or Ms. why you are hear, what you’ve waited for, what you hope for, what you’re thank for- how fantastic they look, how you never want to forget this moment, or that moment- or any thing a long the way- the First Look provides that time, uninterrupted space for you to say what you need to say.  A typical wedding day goes something like this: arrive at venue, hair, makeup, dressed, eat something, people in and out, watching your watch, in and out, ceremony, (hi nice to see you while the officiant talks and we stand quietly), formal photographs with family, a few photographs of you two, head to the reception, hug a thousand people, try to steal something to eat (probably won’t happen), hug more people, dance, more hugs, grand finale, and into the car you go- and the conversations goes something like: “Oh, hi you! we’re married! what a day! that was fun…” how sweet would it be to have shared the first look  hour as you take on your day?
3. IT IS GREAT FOR PORTRAITS: it goes without saying that it’s always great to have more time with your photographer! (not that you need an entire hour, we break it up to accomplish a ton!) We typically spend 30 minutes shooting the first look and portraits of the bride and groom and then 30 minutes shooting the bridal party or the family (or  BOTH).  When we can shoot all of the  portraits before the Wedding the Bride and Groom go straight to the reception and the guests are amazed!
4. IT’S FUN FOR THE FAMILY:  if you choose to photograph your family before the ceremony it’s a nice place for everyone to meet, hug your neck, tell you how beautiful you look without overwhelming your bridal suite- you can say your hello’s and i love you’s and then head back to be with your nearest and dearest- aunt susie will have already pinched your cheeks, so she can make her way to her seat while you relax.
5. IT MAKES THE CEREMONY EVEN MORE SPECIAL: the question i am asked most about the First Look is,  “Will make walking down the aisle less special?”  NOOOO! it’s quite the opposite- there are still tears, trembling knees,  nerves, deep breaths, and anticipation! It is a sweet thing to witness- it’s as if the First Look is the invisible connection between them- they’ve gotten to say what they wanted to say- the bride has heard how beautiful she is- the groom has gotten to spin his bride and see her from every angle- he has heard her say why she loves him- above any other man- they have these words as they stand before those they love.  it’s a special thing.

I could go on and on… i love the first look so much that I offer it as a gift to my clients… I believe in it, I love how it enriches the day, and provides memories that would otherwise be lost!  If you are on the fence… hop on over to our side!! you will be so glad you did!!

 

wedding featured:

Ben & Trisha Fuller | The Astin Mansion

Here are a few questions Ben & Trisha answered for me so that you could hear straight from the Bride & Groom:

 

Neither Ben or I had ever heard of a first look/sight, before meeting with Shauna.  (We thought is was totally against the rules)!

Like most people, Ben and I followed the same “It’s bad luck to see the bride/groom before the wedding” thought process.  Even though, we don’t even believe in luck!  If you are depending on luck before a wedding ceremony, maybe you shouldn’t be getting married.  (Oops, did I just say that out loud?)

1. What will our parents say?,  2. What will our parents say?,  3. What will our parents say?  Honestly, after Shauna shared the idea with us we were sold!  We thought it was a brilliant idea from the very beginning, but were worried that we’d get grief from our family/ friends.  Thankfully, that did not end up being true!  

Answering this question is hard to do through email.  We can honestly not imagine our wedding day without our first look experience.  Ben and I both felt that our first look experience helped remind us of what was important about our wedding day.  Instead of focusing on the commitment you are making, it is so easy to get wrapped up in the stresses of making sure everything is going as planned.  Our first look experience allowed both of us to take a deep breath.  To take a deep breath and pray about our special day.  We prayed for one another, the commitment we were making, and our guests attending the wedding.  That moment will forever be special to Ben and I.  Along with this, our first look moment aloud us to express all our excitement the moment we felt it!  We hugged, kissed, laughed, and even danced!  It was wonderful!    

We can honestly say that it made that moment MORE special.  Rather than being focused on seeing each other for the first time that day or focusing on what we looked like, we were able to take in the whole moment.  We were  truly able to use that time to prepare ourselves to say our vows.  

YES!  Well… of course neither of us our planning on doing it again

I would and have recommended the first look to other brides & grooms!  What I usually share with them is that the first look did not take away from our aisle experience.  That seems to be the main thing that people are hesitant about.  I usually explain that our first look experience allowed us to feel and express all the emotions of our day the moment we felt them!  Without a first look experience, you don’t get to hug and jump up and down upon seeing each other!  Most people have to wait to the end of the ceremony to do that- we did not!  That’s the best part of it all!

Not sure… it was a truly a picture perfect day!  I think I would have liked to have been less stressed about everything working out perfectly.  It truly does not matter, because at the end of the day we were married!  That’s what really matters!

Our ceremony was truly special.  I remember feeling like I was truly in every moment of the ceremony and taking every bit of it in.  This was a huge prayer of mine prior to the wedding.  I was worried that the ceremony would begin and end in a hurry, but I truly feel that the Lord slowed everything down for me to soak it all in.  The dancing at our reception is a close second though!

 

I hope this helps as you plan your perfect day sweet Brides!!!